The BlackStar Film Festival is back this week to put the spotlight on visual storytelling and traditions of Black, Brown and Indigenous people from around the world.
In 2024, the annual event will be held at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts from Aug. 1 to 4. The Festival is the centerfold event for BlackStar Projects, and this marks the 13th year for the occasion.
“With this year’s programming we not only create space for meaningful consideration of the festival’s remarkable films, but highlight this work in conversation with broader culture, our shared histories and the ongoing issues faced by our communities globally,” said founder and Chief Executive/Artistic Officer, Maori Karmael Holmes in a statement.
Almost every screening during the BlackStar Film Festival will feature a Q&A, plus different panels will also be held on the “Daily Jawn Stage” presented by NEON (check online for a full list of panelists.)
As a release notes, in addition to feature films, attendees can enjoy a curated program of short films spanning comedy, fantasy, climate change and resistance. The BlackStar Pitch, presented in partnership with Blackbird, will also feature six finalists presenting their non-fiction projects to a panel of judges in a live competition for an opportunity to win $75,000 in production funds. The winner will be announced at the Festival’s close.
Throughout the event, a jury will also consider nominees for Best Experimental Film, Best Feature Documentary, Best Feature Narrative, Best Short Documentary and Best Short Narrative.
On top of all the films and competitions, there will additionally be a mix of parties and community events throughout the weekend.
Opening night (Aug. 1) will feature a party at World Cafe Live, but the next night, BlackStar will head to the Barnes Museum for one of their First Friday activations (Aug. 2). From 6 to 9 p.m., the “night of music” will feature Ethiopian-born, Washington, DC–raised R&B and soul singer Wayna. The event will also feature the world premiere of Wayna’s latest music video “Good on Paper,” directed by BlackStar founder Maori Holmes, plus DJ JAMZ will be spinning music on the West Terrace.
Cocktails and light fare will be served, and, First Friday at the Barnes includes access to the first-floor collection galleries, ‘Matisse & Renoir: New Encounters at the Barnes’, and ‘Visions.’
Other additional events at the BlackStar Film Festival include a Filmmaker Mixer co-presented by American Documentary/POV, Black Public Media, ITVS and WORLD, and this year’s closing night party at STAR|Bolt.
“The films, panels and other programs we’ve curated this year are urgent, thrilling and necessary,” finished Festival Director Nehad Khader in a statement. “I look forward to welcoming all of our brilliant filmmakers, panelists and other guests from around the world to Philadelphia for an enriching, expansive celebration.”
For a full picture on what to expect at the 2024 BlackStar Film Festival and to find more details on tickets and passes, visit blackstarfest.org
